New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-12-17
TIE RTPCBLTC4N LEdGTE.


The Convention now in session IN this city
is an anomaly in American politics. There
have been hundreds of conventions since Jcllcr-
sons famous Declaration announced the bnth
Of a new Nation, but there has never been one
like this. Representatives Of nearly az the
important Republican clubs have assembled,
not in the interest Of any candidate Tor inc
Presidency, not for the purpose Of furnishing
the party with new definitions Of principles,
but chiefly for objects Of practical organization.
The leaders Of This movement have taken 1t for
granted that there will be representative
Republican named for the Presidency who W II
be worthy in all respects Of the support OF the
progressive clements Of American society.
They Lave also assumed That patriotic stand
would be made by the National Convention
on behalf Of American industries and AL the
great principles which have been embodied III
Rcpubcan platforms Of recent years.
What they have regarded as of most urgent
necessity is practical work in advance Of that
convention for securing the election of the
candidate and the triumph of the principles for
which the party stands. This work they have
themselves undertaken in the organization OF
network of Republican clubs VIII Oh shall ca
tend over the Union. 1t is not work con
Quoted in the interest Of any leader on faction
of the party. 1t is political organization in a
primary form six months before the National
Convention is hciI.
The scheme Of organization adopted by the
convention at yesterdays session IS Of the
simplest Kind. There arc leagues within
leagues, circles within ciici. = the unit being
the Republican club Of at feast twenty mem
bcIs. All the Cubs in State are to lie repre-
scented in State League and al ;hc state and
Territorial Leagues are 10 be subordnatcd in
turn to the National League with It's annual
convention. The object Of these various repre-
sentative bodies j. to furnish common basis
for the organization Of Republican clubs rs
permanent institutions Throughout the Union.
The Primrose League founded in ENGLAND by
Lord Randolph Churchill has grown from
humble beginnings into Il most powerful league
Of Conservative clubs; and the Liberal party,
attnbuing lis defeat in 1856 largely to the
operation Of these popular political circles, has
recently formed a rival series Of associations
for similar work. It viii be strange, indeed
If the Republican League organized yesterday
does no, prove rs influential and as formidable
'
leagues. Ii is Il movement in the night dircc-
ton and promises to interest thousands Of new
voters in every State.
or speeches there was no lack during 'hc
business sessions and at the evening mass
meeting Senator EyatsS speech as pcrna-
ncnt chairman was an extremely lucid and
powerful argument in favor Of the recognized
principles Of the Republican party; ard Mr.
Grows defence Of American industries in the
evening was timely and eloquent. On these
speeches We lly less stress, since relatively
The scheme Of organization adopted by the con
vcntion is Of greater importance in lis probable
results We are confident that The work done
yesterday in founding TIE Republican League
viii lead to the establishment Of hunlrcd>-Nc
hope thou>ands-of permanent agencies II pc
i.iical education. Tie Republican League is
destined TO become centre Of influence and
power in this land. It's organization is one Of
the many ausuies Of victory neat year